KENT has a strong representation in the England Grand Masters squad to play at Sant Cugat, near Barcelona, in the European tournament over Easter (March 21-24).

This is part of the main build-up to the World Cup which is being held in Hong Kong at the Happy Valley from September 12-21.

Stephen Stowell (Sevenoaks Hockey Club) has been appointed as captain for both the European and World Cup tournaments.

Stowell's right-hand man, and team vice-captain for the two tournaments, is John Maylam, from Canterbury Hockey Club.

Both Stowell and Maylam were part of the successful England Grand Masters Squad, who are current European champions, when they won the title in June 2007 at Canterbury. Maylam was voted the England player’s player of the tournament.

Other players with Kent connections are Mike Surridge, who learnt his hockey at Kent College, while Peter Crayford was at Skinners school and played for Tonbridge Hockey Club, before having a long and distinguished career with Bromley and Kent.

Barry Mills was outstanding for Beckenham Hockey Club, Kent and the South, while Brian Perryman was a leading player at Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club for many years and played for Kent. Imtiaz Mahmood-Sheikh is currently first team coach with Tunbridge Wells Ladies.